Getting back up on the pole.

[Fridelisan]

(Darn, how hard can it be to come up with a title for this thing?)

 

Hi everyone! I've been here for quite some time, but actually never signed up for a challenge that I've followed through with. I hope that the change to 4 weeks in stead of 6 weeks will make it a better fit for me. It's always easier to focus for a shorter period of time and then recharge for another 4 weeks. At least for me. 

 

And without any further ado;

 

 

My goals for the next 4 weeks:

 

1. Go to at least 3 classes at my dance studio each week. (any combination of dance/strength/flexibility classes will work)

For about 1,5 years now, I've been going to pole dancing classes at a studio in my city. It has really helped me to keep working out since it's such a fun way to do it. But now, I haven't been to the studio for nearly one month due to vacations and holidays and stuff. So I have to get back on the horse (...or pole, actually) . I have to go to at least three workouts a week. That shouldn't be a problem.

 

2. Complete the beginner body weight workout twice every week.

Since pole dancing is my primary way of working out, I have to be strong. While on the pole a lot of weight and strain is put on small parts of your body, and I know that I'm not strong enough to do a lot of the tricks we're working on in my level. So I really have to get stronger, which is why the beginner body weight workout would help me out. It has to be done at least twice every week.

 

3. Eliminate all unnecessary and added sugars from my diet.

During the holidays, my sugar intake has been waaaay to high. On and off I have really big problem with this, so now I have to keep away from the sugar. After a few weeks it always gets easier to withstand the sweets, but for now I'll have to struggle. And I have to eliminiate the sugars completely, because if I allow one thing, I'll just keep on eating until I feel sick. So. No sugars!

 

 

Life-goal:

4. write on my school report for at least an hour a day, 5 days a week.

I have a report in uni that I've been working on since august. It was supposed to be finished in december, but I wasn't happy with some of my parts. So I'll have to turn it in in february instread. Until then, I have to work on it for at least an hour everyday, at least 5 days a week. 

 

 

 

 

I'll probably not come here every single day, but a few times each week at least. And it's gonna be really fun following all the other challenge logs! 

[Mad Hatter]

Hey Fridelisan, great to see you here again! Hope the 4-week challenge will be better for you. Good luck!

[Fridelisan]

Hej Mad Hatter! How nice to see that you found me! Thank you! I do hope that this challenge works better for me as well. It has gone quite good the first days at least. I just have to keep at it.

[thewrittennerd]

Aren't titles the worst? I'm definitely glad about the switch to 4 weeks from 6 myself, I hope it works out better for both of us in actually getting through an official challenge here, hah!

What's the school paper about? Or is this one of those "I never want to have to talk about this ever again" sort of papers?

[Fridelisan]

Aren't titles the worst? I'm definitely glad about the switch to 4 weeks from 6 myself, I hope it works out better for both of us in actually getting through an official challenge here, hah!

What's the school paper about? Or is this one of those "I never want to have to talk about this ever again" sort of papers?

 

They absolutely are! Yes, I really hope so! Some of my goals does at least feel more manageable for just 4 weeks.

 

The school paper is a preclinical research project about a disease called systemic mastocytosis and how a couple of drugs affect it. It's really boring for people that aren't in the field, but I think it has been a really interesting project for me. So It hasn't been that bad. And my mentor thinks that I'll be done with the report quite soon, so I got that going for me, which is nice.  

[Fridelisan]

Update time!

 

How's it gone the first days? Well, let's just say that I haven't been to the dance studio. When I was deciding on my goals for this challenge, I checked the schedule for the first semester, which apparently doesn't start until january 18th. Sigh. And... And... I found out my membership had been cancelled for some reason. I mean.. I guess it was because I didn't pay anything to work out there during the last year (I worked in the reception area), and now that I have to start paying, they cancelled my membership which was the most affordable one (and no longer available if you don't have it running since the prices changed in may last year)! I could go to 6 classes a week for $110 a month, but now the cheapest is 2 classes a week for the same price. It's crazy! But I don't want to stop learning pole either! That's why I've decided to only go to pole class at the dance studio twice each week, and then I'll go to strength and yoga classes at uni for free! They're held just half a km from my apartment anyway, so it shouldn't be a problem. 

 

That means my goals will have to change a little: Instead of 3 classes at my dance studio, I will do a total of 3 classes (or more if possible) at the studio and the university gym.

 

And now for the BBWW: I've done it once with two circuits, with a few tweaks. Instead of doing normal push ups, I've done narrow push ups on my knees, and in stead of 10 dumbbell rows I've done 15 dips using a chair. I also added some time to my plank and a couple of situps in the end. After that I decided to use my foam roller and stretch out my legs a bit. It hurt like hell rolling my quads. But if I want to get more flexible (and improve in pole), I have to! Specially since I won't be going to any flex classes at the studio any more.

I'm planning on doing the second BBWW on sunday, so I get my 2 workouts done for the week.

 

The no sugar-part of my challenge has been going great. I have eaten some fruit and vegetables. I've eaten some peanuts and something they call majskrokar, that's fluffy and crunchy and entirely made out of corn. But no candy, no cakes, no sodas and no ice cream. I've been doing good. And I didn't even think about buying something sweet when in the store today. Hurray!

 

[Fridelisan]

For breakfast today, I had oatmeal with banana and flaxseed topped with some fresh blueberries. It. was. delicious. Yum! I also had a pb sandwich, which wasn't as good for me, I guess. But that was also delicious. 

 

When I went to the grocery store today, I wanted to buy something sweet so, so badly. I was walking around among the candy shelves and just ogled at all the tempting delicious... well. You understand what I mean, I suppose. So I bought coconut ice cream. But I won't eat it. It's for my boyfriend, when he comes here next week. He looooves coconut. Anyways, as soon as I put the ice cream in by shopping basket my cravings became easier to handle. It's so difficult to fight the sweets monster inside of me! Gah!

 

But instead of eating sweets today, I have eaten lots and lots of fruit (1 banana and like.. 5 blood oranges. Tasty!). And I made some coleslaw that I ate as snacks tonight. It actually worked, which surprised me some. I also had some salmon for dinner, and i ate some of the coleslaw with it. 

 

Oh, and I haven't been active at all today. I might work a little on my flexibility before I go to bed, but I won't promise anything. I have some DOMS after my BBWW yesterday.

 

 

Rambling over.

[Fridelisan]

Has it already been one week? Seriously? It's crazy! Weekly update time!

 

1. Go to 3 classes a week.

Grade: F.

I haven't been able to go to a single class. Mostly due to that there has been very few classes available, and only durin hours that hasn't worked for me. This will get better this week!

 

2. Complete the BBWW twice each week.

Grade: B

I have completed the BBWW twice the first week, but I have only done two circuits each time. I know I can do better. 3 circuits are doable!

 

3. Eliminate all unnecessary and added sugars.

Grade: A

I haven't been eating or drinking anything with added sugars in it all week. Hurray!

 

Life goal

4. Write on my school report for at least an hour a day, 5 days a week.

Grade: B

I have been working on my paper for about 15 h in total the last week, but it has only been on 4 days in total. That will change this week. 5 days can be done!

 

 

So what I have to work on are:

- Go to work out classes! I have lots of work outs scheduled for this week. I have pole, HIIT, Yoga, WOD and core planned mon-fri. We'll se if I actually go to all the classes, or if I cancel some. 

- Dedicate an hour every day for writing on my paper. How hard can it be when I don't have many other commitments?

- Keep on doing the BBWW! But maybe spread it out over the week.

- Keep on not eating sugars! 

 

 

 

[Mad Hatter]

Excellent week 1!

 

Shame that the classes are more expensive now. But I have to say that the old deal was amazing! If you still have pole cravings with two classes a week maybe could you go to open training?

 

Hope you get to play on the pole this week! 

[Fridelisan]

Well thank you, Mad Hatter! I'm pretty pleased with how it's gone so far.

Yes, the old deal really was amazing, which is kind of why I'm sad it was removed just as I had to start paying. [emoji14] Yes, I'm considering going to open training sometimes, to practice moves we've learnt and to practice some floor work as well. [emoji4]

I'm also considering to change one pole class to an aerial silks class each week. I've tried it before, and it was super fun! But I was so weak that I couldn't do anything. But how could I get better IF I don't give it a chance, right? I'll have to think about this. [emoji4]

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[annyshay]

Hey lady!  I really like how you modified your pole goal so quickly!  Seems like a great plan.  Be patient with the BBWW, especially since 2 circuits was enough to give you DOMS.  Listen to your body, and you'll get there!  Also, I am SUPER impressed with your sugar restraint.  Sugar is one of my hardest challenges.  Keep up the awesome!

[Fridelisan]

Hey lady!  I really like how you modified your pole goal so quickly!  Seems like a great plan.  Be patient with the BBWW, especially since 2 circuits was enough to give you DOMS.  Listen to your body, and you'll get there!  Also, I am SUPER impressed with your sugar restraint.  Sugar is one of my hardest challenges.  Keep up the awesome!

 

Thanks annyshay! Yes, maybe I should be patient. I just want to do all the things right away. I know I'm not the strongest person (which is why I'm focusing on the BBWW in the first place), but I want to be strong so badly. And sometimes I just think that if I push myself hard enough, I can do those things. But I guess it's better to ease into in, so that I don't give up too soon.

Oh, I've been doing these periods without sugar on and off for a year now. I have quite easy to stay off sugar if I just keep away from it for a couple of days or a week, but if I allow myself sugar sometimes now and then, it usually ends up more now than then. 

[Fridelisan]

I finally got back to my dance studio yesterday! Yay! I missed it so much! It was really fun being back, and since the courses hasn't started yet, the pole class I went to yesterday included some tricks and spins that we usually don't get to learn in the "normal" classes. I tried, and actually managed to hold an inverted teddy, which made me super happy. I never thought I would manage it so quickly! We worked on cupid and gemini handstands, a couple of different spins and lots of other fun stuff. I wish I could go today as well!

After pole class I actually managed to get to a silks class at the same studio as well. I was super sore in my shoulders and arms already, so I didn't have the best conditions to do a great class, but it was so fun as well. I just love hanging around in the air. I could only stay for 40 minutes, but we newbies got to try climbing, working on some figures while standing on a knot in the air, getting inverted with our legs straight up to the roof (don't know what this is called?). I just loved it!

 

I think I'll continue going to one pole class and one silks class each week on our studio. Yay!

 

Today though, I'm super sore. Especially in my obliques, which feel kinda wierd, because I thought I would have mostly DOMS in my shoulders and arms. But hey, I'm not complaining! I'll do my BBWW today before I go to bed and then probably do some stretching and foam rolling.

 

I'm still good with my no sugar goal. Although, tonight I dreamed that I ate brownies. And I felt really bad about it, both in my dreams and when I woke up. But if  I can enjoy sweets in my dreams, I shouldn't feel any remorse but embrace it! Right?

 

[thewrittennerd]

I remember you saying you'd been interested in trying silks again! I'm glad you enjoyed the class! Two in one day is a lot though, especially if one's a new kind of movement, I'm not surprised you're sore! (I like taking hot baths when that happens with me...) I'm glad you got back into your studio though! Trying out new stuff on pole sounds like it was fun  

[Fridelisan]

I remember you saying you'd been interested in trying silks again! I'm glad you enjoyed the class! Two in one day is a lot though, especially if one's a new kind of movement, I'm not surprised you're sore! (I like taking hot baths when that happens with me...) I'm glad you got back into your studio though! Trying out new stuff on pole sounds like it was fun

 

Yes, I had! And I'm so glad I tried it again. My next problem though, is that the silks class is the same time as a choir I'm usually going to. And I'm not sure which one to go to. I'll have to decide next week. But one gets so much strength from silks, and I could really use that for pole as well.

Oh, I'd love to take a bath right now. I used to love baths when I was sore as well, but now I don't have a bath tub. I'm even more sore today, and it has migrated towards my sholders and arms, as I suspected it would. Trying new pole stuff was amazing! I love it! But it was a bit scary as well. I needed a lot of help from the instructor to do almost any of the things.  

[Fridelisan]

So yesterday, I managed to do the BBWW again. The first of the week. It went well. I persuaded my boyfriend to do it with me, and that got me to focus a little more than when I do it myself. We did 2 circuits all in all before I continued working a little on my flexibility. All in all, it was a good workout.

 

Today I'll go to a 30 min core workout at the university gym. I've never been there before, so this will be an interesting experience.

[Mad Hatter]

Yay for getting back to class! And congrats on inverted teddy.  

 

I agree with Annyshay about being patient. Strength is built through consistent practice over months and years. If two BBWW circuits are tough now, wait a few weeks until they get easier and then add another one. Or do a third one but reduce the number of reps for each exercise. Either way there's no hurry! Or so I keep telling myself.

[Fridelisan]

Thanks Mad Hatter! It felt really good being back in the studio. [emoji4]

Ah, yes. I've been thinking about that, and I will probably continue doing 2 circuits for the rest of this challenge. Then I can increase to 3 circuits during the next challenge or something. Slow and steady wins the race. [emoji4]

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[Fridelisan]

As I wrote last time, I did a core workout att my university gym, and man was I impressed when I walked in there. I love our gym! It has lotsad different rooms dedicated to different things. One room is for bodyweight workouts only, there they have ropes to climb, bars for pull ups and trx-stuff, gymnastic rings, wall bars and boxes and lots of other stuff! Then there's a room dedicated free weights, one room for machines and one room for yoga/meditation/flexibility/dance. They are also starting a group for learning handstands and a running group. Isn't it wonderful?!

Anyways, the core workout was great, but not as difficult as I thought it would be. Then yesterday, I went on a yoga class in the same gym, and that was great. I'm definitely putting that in my weekly schedule!

Otherwise, things have been good. I'm mostly struggeling with my school report, when considering my goals for this challenge. But I'll make it somehow.

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[Fridelisan]

Time just flies by, eh? Time for a weekly report again!

 

I have been so much better at keeping my goals the second week of this challenge, as compared to the first. I thought it would be hard to follow up on everything when my boyfriend was visiting all week, but I've managed to keep active and healthy. Dance classes have started again, and I've also been trying strength classes at the university gym. Overall, a good week.

 

1. Go to 3 classes a week.

Grade: A

I went to pole and aerial silk on tuesday, a core workout on thursday and yoga on friday. Finding out that the university gym was as great as it actually is really boosted me and my determination to go to lots of workouts.  

 

2. Complete the BBWW twice each week.

Grade: C

I have only completed the BBWW one time last week. This is the one thing that I didn't follow through with. I had planned completing the second workout during the weekend, but time just slipped by without me noticing, and it just never happened. Work on it this week!

 

3. Eliminate all unnecessary and added sugars.

Grade: A

I haven't been eating or drinking anything with added sugars in this week either. Hurray! This is despite my boyfriend sitting in front of me, eating a kind of oatmeal ball (though containing more sugar than oatmeal) for breakfast and drinking sodas all week. I do believe that I've earned my right to be proud over my willpower.

 

Life goal

4. Write on my school report for at least an hour a day, 5 days a week.

Grade: A

I have been working on my report mon-fri at least an hour every day, but mostly much more than so. 

 

 

The last two weeks has been beginner level first challenge though, because I've been free all days with no school to go to. Today, on the other hand, the new semester started, and now I have to keep up with my goals and go to classes, study at home and do all the other things at the same time. It feels like it's going to be harder to stay on track from now on.

[annyshay]

As I wrote last time, I did a core workout att my university gym, and man was I impressed when I walked in there. I love our gym! It has lotsad different rooms dedicated to different things. One room is for bodyweight workouts only, there they have ropes to climb, bars for pull ups and trx-stuff, gymnastic rings, wall bars and boxes and lots of other stuff! Then there's a room dedicated free weights, one room for machines and one room for yoga/meditation/flexibility/dance. They are also starting a group for learning handstands and a running group. Isn't it wonderful?!

Anyways, the core workout was great, but not as difficult as I thought it would be. Then yesterday, I went on a yoga class in the same gym, and that was great. I'm definitely putting that in my weekly schedule!

Otherwise, things have been good. I'm mostly struggeling with my school report, when considering my goals for this challenge. But I'll make it somehow.

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Ooooooh... jealous of this gym.

 

Time just flies by, eh? Time for a weekly report again!

 

I have been so much better at keeping my goals the second week of this challenge, as compared to the first. I thought it would be hard to follow up on everything when my boyfriend was visiting all week, but I've managed to keep active and healthy. Dance classes have started again, and I've also been trying strength classes at the university gym. Overall, a good week.

 

1. Go to 3 classes a week.

Grade: A

I went to pole and aerial silk on tuesday, a core workout on thursday and yoga on friday. Finding out that the university gym was as great as it actually is really boosted me and my determination to go to lots of workouts.  

 

2. Complete the BBWW twice each week.

Grade: C

I have only completed the BBWW one time last week. This is the one thing that I didn't follow through with. I had planned completing the second workout during the weekend, but time just slipped by without me noticing, and it just never happened. Work on it this week!

 

3. Eliminate all unnecessary and added sugars.

Grade: A

I haven't been eating or drinking anything with added sugars in this week either. Hurray! This is despite my boyfriend sitting in front of me, eating a kind of oatmeal ball (though containing more sugar than oatmeal) for breakfast and drinking sodas all week. I do believe that I've earned my right to be proud over my willpower.

 

Life goal

4. Write on my school report for at least an hour a day, 5 days a week.

Grade: A

I have been working on my report mon-fri at least an hour every day, but mostly much more than so. 

 

 

The last two weeks has been beginner level first challenge though, because I've been free all days with no school to go to. Today, on the other hand, the new semester started, and now I have to keep up with my goals and go to classes, study at home and do all the other things at the same time. It feels like it's going to be harder to stay on track from now on.

Much willpower... clearly it's time to level up and keep up the awesome while at school.

 

By the way, you should totally come hang with the assassins... there are lots of aerialists, dancers, and people doing pole. 

 

The Assassin Guild Info & Announcements

The Assassins' Den guild chat thread

The Level 1 Assassin Initiates Q&A/Chat thread

The Assassin Phonebook

 

You can see what people focus by using the "phonebook".  Also, you should totally come say hi in the Den.  We don't bite (usually)!    Go get week three!

[Mad Hatter]

3. Eliminate all unnecessary and added sugars.

Grade: A

I haven't been eating or drinking anything with added sugars in this week either. Hurray! This is despite my boyfriend sitting in front of me, eating a kind of oatmeal ball (though containing more sugar than oatmeal) for breakfast and drinking sodas all week. I do believe that I've earned my right to be proud over my willpower.

 

Your willpower is amazing for sure! Well done.

 

Good luck with school!

[Fridelisan]

Gosh. I'm so tired, and it's almost time to go to sleep. I just wanted to write a quick update. 

Yesterday I went to my second pole class for the year, and it was awesome. I've got the start of DOMS in my abdominal muscles and arms, which feels kinda good. The instructor was great, and I managed a few new tricks that I've been working on during the end of last year.

Today I was supposed to go to a gymnastics circuit workout at the university gym, but as soon as I had changed into my workout clothes, there was a power failure in the building that didn't go away for at least an hour. So the class was cancelled, but I decided to do my workout anyways. I did the usual BBWW as described earlier in this log. But I also added some hanging leg raises with bent knees, to work on my abdominal muschles. It took about 25 minutes to complete it all, which felt just enough.

[Mad Hatter]

Good job on finishing a workout anyway!

[Fridelisan]

Thanks! It felt good to go through with a workout despite my original plan being cancelled. [emoji4]

Today, I've had a really long day, being away from home between 7.50 am to 10 pm. But I've gotten loads done.

I've written on my report for a couple of hours, done some open pole training and been on a aerial silks class. ...I'm going to be so sore in my arms and shoulders tomorrow!

Oh, and btw. I've started using MFP to track workouts and food, and I've realized that now that I don't eat added sugars, I eat way too little. In the evenings I often have 600-700 kcal or more left to eat after dinner. I'm thinking that I might not be eating enough protein to build my muscles and get stronger as efficient as I could. I'll continue track my macros and all the other stuff and try to eat more. Btw, does anyone know good protein source other than meat and eggs? (I'm trying to eat more vegetarian food)

Time for sleep!

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